Pump module for an electronic cooling system, electronic cooling system comprising such a pump module, and module comprising such a system.

Abstract

The invention relates to a pump module (10) for an electronics cooling system, particularly for computer server electronics. The module comprises at least one pump support (22), a pump (12) having an inlet (14) and an outlet (16), and a first connector (18) adapted to connect the inlet of the pump (12) to a fluid reservoir of the electronics cooling system. According to the invention, the first connector (18) has a locking ring (20), and the pump module (10) further comprises a device for moving the locking ring (20) of the first connector (18). The invention relates to an electronics cooling system comprising at least one pump module (10) as described above and an electronics cooling system module. [Fig. 1]

Description

Title of the invention: Pump module for an electronic cooling system, electronic cooling system comprising such a pump module and module comprising such a system.

[0001] The invention relates to a pump module for an electronics cooling system, in particular for the electronics of a computer server, and an electronics cooling system comprising such a pump module and a module comprising such a cooling system.

[0002] A pump module for an electronic cooling system is known from document US2021352830, comprising at least one pump support, a pump having an inlet and an outlet, and two blind connectors (also known by their English name "blind connector") fluidically connected to the pump inlet and pump outlet respectively.

[0003] The use of these 2 blind connectors requires the use of an alignment means connected to the pump support and a system of guide rails to allow the connection of the pump and the pump support to the rest of the cooling system, which complicates the cooling system.

[0004] The invention aims to improve the situation by proposing a pump module for an electronics cooling system, in particular for the electronics of a computer server, said pump module comprising at least one pump support, a pump comprising an inlet and an outlet and a first connector suitable for connecting the pump inlet to a fluid reservoir of the electronics cooling system.

[0005] According to the invention, the first connector includes at least one locking ring, and the pump module further includes a device for moving the locking ring of the first connector.

[0006] Thus, the use of a connector equipped with a locking ring and cooperating with a translation device allows the connector itself to fix the pump module and to simplify the mounting of the pump module to the electronic cooling system.

[0007] Particular embodiments of the pump module according to the invention, taken alone or in combination, propose that: - the pump support comprises at least two lateral wings substantially parallel to each other and a base, said device for moving the locking ring of the first connector being attached to one of the lateral wings of the pump support The pump support includes a first opening suitable for allowing access to at least one electrical connector of the pump for the refrigerant fluid, The device for moving the locking ring of the first connector comprises a button, a slide capable of sliding relative to the pump support, and a connecting tab capable of cooperating with the locking ring of the first connector. The slide has at least one opening forming a translational guide and cooperating with a guide pin located on one face of the pump support. The first connector is suitable for connecting the pump inlet for the refrigerant to a refrigerant collection module of the electronic cooling system, and comprises a female part equipped with a locking ring and a male part intended to be inserted into the female part of the first connector. The female part of the first connector, equipped with the locking ring, is suitable for cooperating on the one hand with the pump inlet for the refrigerant and on the other hand for receiving the male part of the first connector. The male part of the first connector is intended, on the one hand, to be inserted into the female part equipped with the locking ring of the first connector and, on the other hand, to cooperate with the refrigerant collection module of the electronic cooling system. Sealing means are provided between the pump inlet for the refrigerant and / or the female part equipped with the locking ring of the first connector and / or the male part of the first connector. The pump module also includes a second connector suitable for linking the pump outlet for the refrigerant to the refrigerant outlet of the electronic cooling system. A non-return valve is interposed between the second connector and the refrigerant outlet of the electronic cooling system. The pump support has a U-shape, The pump support comprises at least one base and two side wings, The first and second lateral wings of the pump support are essentially parallel to each other. The two lateral wings are connected to each other at the base. The base extends here along a plane that is roughly perpendicular to the plane of extension of the two lateral wings. The refrigerant pump is secured to the pump bracket at the level of the first side wing. The pump module also includes a power supply and a control module, The control module is also mounted on the pump support at the level of the first lateral wing. The first side wing of the pump support carries the refrigerant pump and its control module. The pump support includes a first opening suitable for allowing access to at least one electrical connector of the pump for the refrigerant fluid, The first opening is sized to allow access to the two electrical connectors of the pump control module for the refrigerant. The pump support has at least one second opening suitable for an electrical connector of the pump for the refrigerant and suitable for dissipating the heat produced by the operation of the pump for the refrigerant. The second opening is located on the first lateral wing to which the refrigerant pump and its control module are attached; the second opening is located opposite the refrigerant pump. The support has a series of openings arranged in a circle and concentrically, The pump support has one or more additional openings positioned opposite the pump control module for the refrigerant. The pump stand is equipped with a handle, The locking ring movement device for the first connector is located at the second wing of the pump support; the locking ring movement device for the first connector is attached to one of the lateral wings of the pump support; the second lateral wing has several parts; a first part of the second lateral wing is at least partially parallel to the base of the pump support and has an opening suitable for a button of the movement device to pass through; the second wing has a second part that is substantially parallel to the first lateral wing of the pump support.

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[0014] - the second lateral wing has a third part extending from the second part of the pump support and perpendicular to the latter and to the base of the pump support, - the third part includes at least one pawn intended to cooperate with the movement mechanism, - the pawl is able to cooperate with an opening that forms a guide in the translation of the sliding mechanism of the movement device, - the button, the slide, and the connecting tab are made as a single unit, - the locking ring movement device for the first connector is located on a side wing of the pump module support, and, - at least one guide pin is positioned on the lateral wing carrying the displacement device. The invention also relates to an electronic cooling system comprising at least one pump module as described above. Another particular embodiment of the electronic cooling system proposes that the cooling system further comprise at least one condensation module, one refrigerant collection module, one cooling module for a cooling fluid, and one internal control module capable of monitoring the parameters of the electronic cooling system. The invention also relates to a module comprising an electronic cooling system as previously described. Specific embodiments of the module comprising an electronic cooling system according to the invention, taken alone or in combination, propose that: - the module comprises three pump modules arranged at one end of the cooling system module and two condensation modules arranged at the opposite end from where the pump modules are arranged, the control module being interposed between the two condensation modules, and, - a coolant collection module is interposed between the assembly formed by the control module and the two condensation modules, and the assembly formed by the three pump modules. The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, given solely by way of example and made with reference to the drawings in which: - Figure 1 represents a front view of a pump module according to the invention, - Fig. 2 represents a perspective view of a pump module according to the invention,

[0015] - Fig. 3 represents a perspective view of a pump support of a pump module according to the invention,

[0016] - Fig. 4 represents a perspective view of the pump support of a pump module of [Fig.3] from another perspective,

[0017] - Fig. 5 represents a front view of a displacement device locking ring of a first connector according to the invention,

[0018] - Fig. 6 represents a top view of the displacement device of a locking ring of a first connector illustrated in [Fig.5],

[0019] - Fig. 7 shows a front view of a wing of the pump support, and

[0020] - Fig. 8 represents a perspective view of a cooling system of electronics according to the invention.

[0021] The invention relates to a pump module 10 for an electronic cooling system, in particular for the electronics of at least one computer server.

[0022] In particular, the pump module 10 is intended to be part of an electronics cooling system for at least one computer server. Even more advantageously, the computer server is rack-mountable and the electronics cooling system is capable of cooling a set of rack-mounted servers.

[0023] The module includes a pump support 22, a pump 12 for a refrigerant fluid, said pump for the refrigerant fluid having an inlet 14 and an outlet 16.

[0024] The pump module 10 further includes a first connector 18 suitable for connecting the pump inlet 12 for the refrigerant to a refrigerant collection module 120 of the electronic cooling system 100.

[0025] In this embodiment, the first connector 18 suitable for connecting the pump inlet 12 for the refrigerant to a refrigerant collection module 120 of the electronic cooling system 100 comprises a female part equipped with a locking ring 20 and a male part intended to be inserted into the female part of the first connector 18.

[0026] In this embodiment, the female part equipped with the locking ring 20 is able to cooperate on the one hand with the inlet of the pump 12 for the refrigerant fluid and on the other hand to receive the male part of the first connector 18.

[0027] The male part is intended on the one hand to be inserted into the female part equipped with the locking ring 20 of the first connector 18 and on the other hand to cooperate with the collection module 120 of the refrigerant fluid of the electronic cooling system 100.

[0028] It is possible to provide sealing means between the pump inlet 12 for the refrigerant fluid and / or the female part fitted with the locking ring 20 of the first connector 18 and / or the male part of the first connector 18.

[0029] The pump module 10 further includes a second connector 50 suitable for connecting the outlet 16 of the pump 12 for the refrigerant to the refrigerant outlet of the electronic cooling system 100. A particular embodiment provides that a non-return valve is interposed between the second connector 50 and the refrigerant outlet of the electronic cooling system 100.

[0030] According to the invention, the first connector 18 has a locking ring 20, and the pump module 10 further has a displacement device 34 for the locking ring 20 of the first connector 18.

[0031] Thus, the pump module 10 according to the invention allows it to be connected / disconnected to a refrigerant fluid collection module and to keep it fixed in the cooling system.

[0032] The pump support 22 has, in this embodiment and in top view, a U-shaped form.

[0033] As more clearly seen in figures 3 and 4, the pump support 22 comprises at least one base 22-2 and two lateral wings hereinafter referred to as first lateral wing 22-1 and second lateral wing 22-3.

[0034] The first lateral wing 22-1 and the second lateral wing 22-3 are substantially parallel to each other.

[0035] The two lateral wings 22-1 and 22-3 are connected to each other by the base 22-2.

[0036] The base 22-2 extends here along a plane substantially perpendicular to the extension plane of the two lateral wings 22-1 and 22-3. In other words, the first lateral wing 22-1 and the second lateral wing 22-3 are substantially perpendicular to the base 22-2.

[0037] In the particular example shown here, and as can be seen in figures 1 and 2 for example, the pump 12 for the refrigerant is secured to the pump support 22 at the level of the first lateral wing 22-1.

[0038] In the embodiment presented here, the pump module 10 further comprises a power supply and a control module 24.

[0039] Here, the control module 24 is also secured to the pump support 22 at the level of the first lateral wing 22-1.

[0040] Thus and in this particular example, the first side wing 22-1 of the pump support 22 carries the pump 12 for the refrigerant fluid and its control module 24.

[0041] The pump support 22 here has a first opening 28 suitable for allowing access to at least one electrical connector 30 of the pump 12 for the refrigerant.

[0042] In the embodiment illustrated here, the first opening 28 is dimensioned by in order to allow access to the two electrical connectors 30 of the control module 24 of the pump 12 for the refrigerant.

[0043] The pump support 22 advantageously has at least one second opening 26 suitable for an electrical connector of the refrigerant pump 12 to pass through and for dissipating the heat generated by the operation of the refrigerant pump 12. Here, the second opening 26 is located on the first side flange 22-1 to which the refrigerant pump 12 and its control module 24 are attached.

[0044] In a further advantageous manner, the second opening 26 is arranged opposite the pump 12 for the refrigerant fluid.

[0045] Finally, in a particular embodiment, the pump support 22 has a series of openings arranged concentrically in a circle. These openings are intended to facilitate the dissipation of heat emitted during the operation of the pump 12 for the refrigerant.

[0046] An embodiment not shown proposes to provide on the pump support 22 one or more additional openings arranged opposite the control module 24 of the pump 12 for the refrigerant.

[0047] It is also possible to equip the pump support 22 with a handle 32. The handle 32 is, here, long and has two opposite ends, each attached to opposite edges of the pump support 22.

[0048] In the embodiment illustrated in figures 2 to 4, the handle 32 is placed on the base 22-2 of the pump support 22.

[0049] The handle 32 also has a recess allowing the gripping of the pump module 10. As particularly visible, the recess of the handle 32 is placed opposite the first opening 28.

[0050] The pump module 10 comprises, according to the invention, a displacement device 34 for the locking ring 20 of the first connector 18.

[0051] The displacement device 34 of the locking ring 20 of the first connector 18 is, in this example, placed at the level of the second lateral wing 22-3 of the pump support 22.

[0052] A particular embodiment proposes that the displacement device 34 of the locking ring 20 of the first connector 18 is subjected to one of the lateral wings, here, the second lateral wing 22-3 of the pump support 22.

[0053] As illustrated in [Fig.7], the second lateral wing 22-3 has, here, several parts.

[0054] A first part 22-3A is at least in part substantially parallel to the base 22-2 of the pump support 22 and has an opening suitable for being traversed by a button 36 of the displacement device 34 (described below).

[0055] The second lateral wing 22-3 also has a second part 22-3B substantially parallel to the first lateral wing 22-1 of the pump support 22 (and therefore, here, substantially perpendicular to the base 22-2 of the pump support 22).

[0056] The second lateral wing 22-3 also has a third part 22-3C extending the second part 22-3B of the pump support 22 and perpendicular to the latter and to the base 22-2 of the pump support 22.

[0057] The third part 22-3C includes at least one pin (not shown) intended to cooperate with the displacement device 34 described below. In particular, the pin is adapted to cooperate with an opening 42 forming a translational guide for the slide 38 of the displacement device 34.

[0058] For example, the third part 22-3C may also include a recess 46 allowing the passage of part of the pump 12 for the refrigerant fluid, in particular a bolt.

[0059] The second lateral wing 22-3 partially accommodates one end of the pump 12 for the refrigerant.

[0060] In the embodiment illustrated here, and as more clearly seen in figures 5 and 6, the displacement device 34 of the locking ring 20 of the first connector 18 comprises a button 36, a slide 38 adapted to slide relative to the pump support 22 and, a connecting tab 40 adapted to cooperate with the locking ring 20 of the first connector 18.

[0061] In the embodiment illustrated here, the button 36, the slide 38, and the connecting tab 40 are formed as a single unit. An alternative embodiment, not shown, proposes that these three elements be separate components connected by any means of connection.

[0062] When disconnecting the pump module 10 from the electronic cooling system 100, an operator pulls button 36. This action moves slide 38 relative to the pump support 22, and in particular, relative to the third part 22-3C of the pump support 22. The movement of slide 38 causes the connecting tab 40 to cooperate with the locking ring 20 of the first connector 18.

[0063] The movement of the connecting leg 40 induces a translational movement of the locking ring 20 of the first connector 18. This translational movement of the locking ring 20 allows the female part of the first connector 18 to be decoupled from the male part of the first connector 18, thus decoupling the pump 12 for the refrigerant from the collection module 120 of the refrigerant from the electronic cooling system 100.

[0064] When connecting the pump module 10 to the cooling system of the electronics 100, an operator presses button 36. This action moves the slide 38 in translation relative to the pump support 22 and in particular relative to the third part 22-3C of the pump support 22. The movement of the slide 38 drives the connecting lug 40 cooperating with the locking ring 20 of the first connector 18.

[0065] The movement of the connecting leg 40 induces a translational movement of the locking ring 20 of the first connector 18. This translational movement of the locking ring 20 allows the coupling of the female part of the first connector 18 to the male part of the first connector 18, thus inducing the coupling of the pump 12 for the refrigerant of the collection module 120 to the refrigerant of the electronic cooling system 100 and therefore the fluidic connection between these two elements via the first connector 18.

[0066] In this embodiment, the displacement device 34 of the locking ring 20 of the first connector 18 is arranged on the side wing 22-3 of the support 12 of the pump module 10.

[0067] As more clearly seen in [Fig.6], the slide 38 has at least one opening 42 forming a translational guide and cooperating with a guide pin (not shown) disposed on one face of the pump support 22.

[0068] In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig.6], the slide 38 has two openings 42, each forming a translational guide and each cooperating with a guide pin disposed on one face of the pump support 22.

[0069] In this particular example, at least one guide pin is disposed on the lateral wing carrying the displacement device 34.

[0070] Here, the displacement device 34 of the locking ring 20 of the first connector 18 has a third opening 44 made in the form of a recess and allowing the passage of part of the pump 12 for the refrigerant fluid, in particular a bolt.

[0071] Here, the third opening 44 of the displacement device 34 of the locking ring 20 of the first connector 18 is located opposite the recess 46 of the third part 22-3C of the second lateral wing 22-3 is of a larger dimension so as not to come into contact with the part of the pump 12 passing through it.

[0072] The invention also relates to an electronic cooling system in which the refrigerant circulates. In particular, this refrigerant may advantageously be a non-electrically conductive dielectric fluid (for example, a dielectric oil).

[0073] According to the invention, the electronic cooling system comprising at least one pump module 10 as previously described.

[0074] In the particular embodiment illustrated in [Fig.8], the electronic cooling system 100 comprises three pump modules 10.

[0075] Thus, a pump module 10 can be replaced without interrupting the cooling system of the electronics.

[0076] The electronic cooling system 100 further comprises, in this example, a condensation module 110 capable of condensing the refrigerant circulating in vapor form in the electronic cooling system 100 into a liquid refrigerant.

[0077] The electronic cooling system 100 also includes, in this example, a refrigerant collection module 120. This refrigerant collection module 120, also called a buffer tank, is capable of collecting the refrigerant from the condensation module 110 and returning it to the computer servers, for example, rack-mounted ones.

[0078] The electronic cooling system 100 also includes, in this example, a cooling module 130 for the cooling fluid (for example glycol water) which is capable of supplying a cooling fluid, preferably at a temperature between 2 and 45 °C, to allow an exchange with the refrigerant circulating in the condensation module 110.

[0079] The cooling fluid here comes from a cooling circuit of the computer installation and is returned to this same circuit after passing through the condensation module 110.

[0080] The electronic cooling system 100 also includes, in this example, an internal control module 140 capable of controlling the parameters of the electronic cooling system 100 and managing its performance.

[0081] In a particular embodiment, the internal control module 140 is connected to the central system control software via, for example, an API (Application Programming Interface) type interface and to its connection to a network, for example via an RJ45 type modular connector.

[0082] Thus, when the electronic cooling system 100 is in operation: • The refrigerant in vapor form flows from the computer servers to the condensation module 110; • The cooling fluid (e.g. glycol water) from the installation is also directed to the condensation module 110; • An exchange takes place between the refrigerant and the cooling fluid in the condensation module 110. In particular, the refrigerant in vapor form passes through the condensation unit 110, reducing its temperature until the refrigerant changes into a liquid phase. The refrigerant then flows towards the refrigerant collection module 120; • The refrigerant (here in liquid phase) is then pumped out of the module refrigerant fluid is collected and sent back to the computer server; • The cooling fluid which has warmed up following its exchange with the refrigerant in the condensation module 110 circulates from this condensation module 110 to the cooling fluid supply of the computer installation.

[0083] The electronic cooling system 100 according to the invention is integrated into a housing to create a unit module.

[0084] In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig.8], the module is made in the form of a rectangular box closed by panels made in the form of plates (only some of which are visible in [Fig.8]).

[0085] In particular, in this embodiment, it will be noted that the three pump modules 10 are arranged at a first end of the module forming the cooling system 100.

[0086] Still in the particular embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 8], the electronic cooling system module 100 comprises two condensation modules 110 implemented here in the form of two heat exchangers. These heat exchangers may, for example, be made by stacking plates.

[0087] In this example, the two condensation modules 110 are arranged at an end opposite to that where the pump module 10 is arranged (here, the 3 pump modules 10.

[0088] In this embodiment, the control module 140 is interposed between the two condensation modules 110. This configuration allows for the obtaining of a compact electronic cooling system module.

[0089] In this embodiment, the cooling fluid collection module 120 is interposed between the assembly formed by the control module 140 and the two condensation modules 110 and the assembly formed by the three pump modules 10. This configuration also allows for the obtaining of a compact electronic cooling system module.

Claims

Demands

1. Pump module (10) for an electronics cooling system, in particular for the electronics of at least one computer server, the module comprising: • a pump support (22) • a pump (12) having an inlet (14) and an outlet (16), • a first connector (18) suitable for connecting the inlet of the pump (12) to a fluid reservoir of the electronics cooling system, characterized in that the first connector (18) has a locking ring (20), and, the pump module (10) further comprises a device for moving the locking ring (20) of the first connector (18).

2. Pump module (10) according to the preceding claim in which the pump support (22) has at least two lateral wings (22-1; 22-3) substantially parallel to it and a base (22-2), said displacement device (34) of the locking ring (20) of the first connector (18) being attached to one of the lateral wings (22-3) of the pump support (22).

3. Pump module (10) for an electronic cooling system according to the preceding claim in which the pump support (22) has a first opening (28) suitable for allowing access to at least one electrical connector (30) of the pump (12) for the refrigerant.

4. Pump module (10) according to claim 2 or 3 wherein the displacement device (34) of the locking ring (20) of the first connector (18) comprises: • a button (36), • a slide (38) adapted to slide relative to the pump support (22), and, • a connecting tab (40) adapted to cooperate with the locking ring (20) of the first connector (18).

5. Pump module (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the slide (38) has at least one opening (42) forming a guide in translation and cooperating with a guide pin (44) disposed on one face of the pump support (22).

6. Electronic cooling system (100) comprising at least one pump module (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

7. Electronic cooling system (100) according to the preceding claim further comprising at least: • a condensation module (110), • a refrigerant collection module (120), • a cooling module (130) for a cooling fluid, and, • an internal control module (140) capable of monitoring the parameters of the electronic cooling system (100).

8. Module comprising an electronic cooling system (100) according to claim 6 or 7.

9. Module according to the preceding claim and comprising three pump modules (10) arranged at a first end of the cooling system module (100) and two condensation modules (110) arranged at an end opposite to that where the pump modules (10) are arranged, the control module (140) being interposed between the two condensation modules (110).

10. Module according to the preceding claim comprising a coolant collection module (120) interposed between the assembly formed by the control module (140) and the two condensation modules (110), and the assembly formed by the three pump modules (10).

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